Photo Journal Skagit and Beyond

     Click on a photo to enlarge. The Park Butte trail is a must-do 7.5 mile out-and-back hike in the Mount Baker area. It leads through meadows, forests, tarn lakes and up to a historic fire lookout with stellar views. From the trailhead, you'll wind through a wildflower-filled meadow before ascending alongside the rushing waters of Sulphur Creek and Rocky Creek, which can run dangerously high in the afternoon, you'll enter an old-growth forest and continue your ascent. Next, you will continue through meadows and past alpine tarns. Here you may encounter the resident yellow-bellied marmots. These large squirrels frequently sound their shrill alarm calls. The final rocky push brings you to the Park Butte Lookout at 5,450 feet. From its deck, you're treated to a 360-degree panorama of Mount Baker's glaciated summit, the Twin Sisters, Black Buttes, and Nooksack River valley. Logistics: Restroom available at the start of the hike only.  Northwest Forest pass needed. To...

  Click on a photo to enlarge. Goose Rock Summit via Cranberry Lake and North Beach Trail offers an unforgettable hiking experience. This 6.2-mile loop trail with elevation gain of 797ft, located near Oak Harbor, is a moderately challenging route. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, this trail promises to captivate you with its stunning vistas and diverse landscapes.   One of the highlights of this trail is the opportunity to witness breathtaking views of the iconic Deception Pass Bridge and the bay. As you make your way along the coastline of Deception Pass State Park, you'll pass through various campsites and parking lots, gradually ascending towards Goose Rock. Goose Rock, a true gem along the trail, provides hikers with an idyllic spot to take a well-deserved break and savor a picnic while marveling at the far-reaching vistas over the vast ocean, before continuing their descent along the loop trail.  The summit offers panoramic views that encompas...

  Click on a photo to enlarge it The route to the summit of Mount Baker is not only a popular climbing path but also a spectacular summer hiking destination. The first 2.4 miles follow the Park Butte Trail, crossing Sulphur Creek and leading into Schreibers Meadow.  At around 2 miles, the trail emerges into another wildflower-filled meadow called Morovitz. After 2.4 miles, you'll reach the junction of Park Butte and Railroad Grade, where you'll turn right. Here you will ascend on stone steps, and follow the trail along some campsites. At the 3-mile mark, you'll arrive at Railroad Grade, situated at the end of a glacial moraine. As you approach the mountain, you'll be greeted by the sight of two distinct lateral moraines flanking the glacier – the Metcaife Moraine on the left and Railroad Grade on the right. These natural formations are a testament to the glacier's powerful movement over time, carving and shaping the landscape with each passing year. From here, ...